STOMACH ULCER BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH NORMAL TENSION GLAUCOMA

Investigation of the Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and Normal Tension Glaucoma -- Kim et al., 10.1167/iovs.10-6096 -- Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

Although high pressure in the eyes is often a factor in glaucoma, there are often glaucoma patients that start out with "normal" or average intra-ocular pressures. We call this "Normal Tension Glaucoma".

H. Pylori is a bacteria that is harbored in the stomach and is often responsible for stomach and intestinal ulcers. This report studied the link between the bacteria H. Pylori and normal tension glaucoma. It concluded:

"H. pylori infection may be associated with an increased risk of Normal Tension Glaucoma. H. pylori may play a role in the development or progression of Normal Tension Glaucoma as a secondary aggravating factor due to the coexistence of other main causes or may be the primary cause."